How a UP govt scheme is giving Saharanpur's centuries-old woodcraft a new identity
Saharanpur, often referred to as India's ‘Wooden City, has long been synonymous with intricate wood carving and handcrafted furniture. For generations, artisans here have transformed
Saharanpur, often referred to as India's ‘Wooden City, has long been synonymous with intricate wood carving and handcrafted furniture. For generations, artisans here have transformed ordinary blocks of timber into ornate furniture and decorative pieces, creating an industry that has sustained thousands of families. Today, that centuries-old craft is transforming. The inclusion of Saharanpur's famed woodcraft under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has opened new avenues for artisans and entrepreneurs alike. Government-backed financial assistance, modern machinery, skill development programmes and improved access to domestic and international markets are helping traditional businesses scale up while preserving the city's rich artisanal heritage. Read Full Story From Khatakheri to several other manufacturing clusters across the district, workshops continue to produce sofas, beds, dining tables, wardrobes, swings, coffee tables and a wide range of wooden handicrafts. These products are now finding buyers not only across India but also in international markets. ODOP GIVES FRESH MOMENTUM TO THE INDUSTRY Mohammad Mujammil Hussain, who has spent nearly 45 years in the furniture business, says the ODOP initiative has benefitted everyone associated with Saharanpur's wood industry—from small craftsmen to large manufacturers. According to him, government support in the form of machinery and other infrastructure has made production easier and more efficient, allowing businesses to expand. He says thousands of artisans are directly dependent on the industry, and access to government-backed loans has enabled even small craftsmen to upgrade their workshops and grow their businesses. The traditional identity of Saharanpur's woodwork, once dependent almost entirely on hand carving, is now being complemented by modern technology. Advanced machines have improved both production capacity and the quality of finished products without replacing the craftsmanship that defines the industry. PRODUCTS NOW REACH US, GERMANY WITH THE HELP OF THE PROJECT Government support has also encouraged manufacturers to modernise their production facilities.
Vijay Kataria, manager of Shining Handicrafts, says his company has been availing ODOP benefits for the past four to five years. Subsidies provided under the scheme enabled the company to purchase new machinery and establish a larger manufacturing facility. The company now operates specialised wood seasoning and chemical treatment plants. While the seasoning process improves the durability and quality of timber, chemical treatment protects wooden products from insect damage, making them suitable for export markets. Kataria says the government's support has helped the company expand significantly, with its products now reaching Germany, the United States and several other European countries. A 100-150 YEAR-OLD INDUSTRY FOUND SUPPORT Exports have played a significant role in strengthening Saharanpur's wooden industry. Nawab Shah of Merchants of India, who has been engaged in exports since 2009, says ODOP has created opportunities for small entrepreneurs who earlier struggled due to financial constraints and complicated procedures. According to him, many small businesses previously found it difficult to scale operations because they lacked access to institutional finance. Subsidies and financial assistance available under the scheme have helped remove many of these barriers. He notes that Saharanpur's woodcraft dates back nearly 100 to 150 years and, at one stage, there were concerns that the traditional art could gradually disappear. Government initiatives such as ODOP, he says, have provided fresh support to artisans and helped revive the sector. Shah believes the government's "Local to Global" vision is becoming visible on the ground, with Saharanpur's wooden products now reaching customers directly through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, besides international marketplaces. TRAINING ARTISANS FOR MODERN MARKETS The benefits of ODOP extend beyond financial assistance. To ensure artisans remain competitive, regular training programmes are organised at the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) office on Mandi Samiti Road. These sessions introduce craftsmen to modern manufacturing techniques, quality standards and evolving market requirements.
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